Oui, monsieur
NII-AYI EVANS • The Surf Club Restaurant
WORK • Thursday Routine
NII-AYI EVANS • pastry chef • The Surf Club Restaurant
Neighborhood you work in: Surfside
Neighborhood you live in: Miami Beach
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
My day typically starts around 10a at The Surf Club Restaurant. The first part of the morning is about getting the team aligned for the day. We hold a quick briefing to go over the prep list, the reservations for the evening, and any special events. From there, the pastry kitchen shifts into prep mode: setting up mise en place for service, organizing stations, and making sure all components, sauces, and garnishes are ready. Throughout the morning, I’m checking quality, tasting, testing desserts, and making adjustments where needed.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Miami has an incredible restaurant scene, and there are a few places I always enjoy. COTE Miami is a great experience, an elevated Korean steakhouse that holds a special place in my heart, as I celebrated my four-year anniversary with my fiancée there. Bouchon in the Gables is always a classic for French bistro cooking done at the highest level. It reminds me of my time in Paris.
How about a little leisure or culture?
When I’m not in the kitchen, I like to stay active. I enjoy playing soccer whenever I can — it’s a great way to unwind and stay connected with friends. Living in Miami also means the beach is never far away, so relaxing by the water is one of my favorite ways to reset after a busy week in the kitchen.
Any weekend getaways?
Two of my favorite quick escapes from Miami are Key West and Bimini in the Bahamas. It’s always nice to stay at a beach club and enjoy a well-made cocktail or two. Key West has a relaxed energy and beautiful scenery, as well as the great breakfast spot Breakfast Club, Too, which is a fantastic place to start my day. I’m a fan of watersports, so I usually jump on a jetski when I’m out there. The Bahamas offer crystal-clear water and an easy change of pace when you want to disconnect for a few days.
What was your last great vacation?
One of my favorite recent trips was traveling through France and England, visiting Lyon, Roanne, Paris, and London. Lyon, in particular, is an incredible city for food. I visit L’Atelier des Augustins every time I’m there and I recently discovered Regain. I also can’t mention Lyon without noting that the brioche aux pralines roses from Pralus is a must-try.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
Recently, I bought the Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot, and it’s been fantastic.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Restaurant supply store Chef Rubber. It’s great to find professional equipment, ingredients, and tools used in real kitchens.